Picture: AmaPanyaza now declared as Peace Officers
By BAKANG MOKOTO
3 February 2026- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Gauteng said it unequivocally welcomes and supports the formal declaration of the Gauteng Traffic Wardens, popularly known as amaPanyaza as Peace Officers in terms of Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, as gazetted by government. The structure said this decisive intervention affirms the capacity of a democratic, developmental state to correct itself, strengthen legality and advance progressive solutions in the interests of the people.
The ANCYL provincial secretary, Mpume Sangweni said following the implementation of remedial actions arising from the Public Protector’s findings, the establishment, appointment and deployment of the wardens are now firmly grounded within a sound legislative framework, restoring both legality and public confidence. Sangweni said at the centre of this declaration is the protection of over 9 000 jobs that were previously placed at risk.
“In a province confronted by the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment — with young people bearing the heaviest burden ,this intervention represents a bold and necessary act of economic justice. Any attempt to undermine or discredit this achievement is an affront to the lived realities of thousands of working-class families whose livelihoods depend on a capable and responsive state.
“The ANCYL Gauteng further welcomes the emphasis on professionalisation, accredited training, clearly defined powers, strict jurisdictional limits and compliance mechanisms. This approach strengthens the rule of law, safeguards communities from abuse of authority and ensures that Peace Officers operate as disciplined, accountable and effective partners in crime prevention and law enforcement,” he said.
Sangweni further said they are clear and unapologetic. He added that those who posture as critics of this declaration, without offering viable alternatives, position themselves as enemies of progress and enemies of the people.
“At a time when decisive action is required to confront crime, unemployment and social instability, cynicism and obstructionism serve only to delay transformation and frustrate the developmental agenda.
Gauteng is a young, modern and dynamic province – the economic engine of South Africa and a centre of innovation and migration.
“It demands bold, integrated and forward-looking approaches to safety and development. The formalisation of the Prevention Wardens as Peace Officers strengthens state capacity, enhances visibility on the ground and reinforces the collective effort to reclaim communities from criminality. The ANCYL Gauteng remains resolute in its commitment to revolutionary, people-centred governance that defends jobs, upholds the rule of law and advances the struggle for a safe, just and transformed Gauteng,” said Sangweni.
The Guardian 